Why Non-Business Students Should Enter the Tournament

Think the SOU Business Venture Tournament is just for business majors? Think again! This competition is designed for innovators from all disciplines. Whether you’re an artist, scientist, educator, or technologist, your unique skills and perspective could give you the edge in developing the next big idea.

Unique ideas come from surprising places! Image source: ChatGPT – Dall-E

Why You Should Take the Leap

  • Your Discipline, Your Advantage
    Every great venture starts with a spark of creativity, and students from non-business backgrounds often bring fresh, groundbreaking ideas. Artists envision compelling designs, scientists innovate through problem-solving, and educators dream up solutions that empower others. The tournament celebrates these diverse approaches, and the business training we provide helps you refine your ideas into actionable plans.
  • Skills for Every Career Path
    Participating in the tournament equips you with invaluable skills like market research, public speaking, and strategic planning. These aren’t just “business” skills—they’re life skills that can enhance any career. Whether you aim to launch your own venture or excel in your field, the experience you gain here will set you apart.
  • A Platform to Shine
    This is your chance to showcase your talents in front of peers, faculty, and local entrepreneurs. You’ll gain confidence presenting your ideas and the recognition that comes with being bold enough to pursue them. Plus, winning the tournament means funding to help turn your idea into reality.
  • Real-World Experience
    The tournament’s structure mirrors the steps start-ups take to secure funding, from proof-of-concept to pitching investors. Even if you’re not aiming to start a business, the process teaches you to think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate your ideas with impact.
Non-business students have unique perspectives that enhance existing business processes. Image source: ChatGPT, Dall-E

It’s Not Just About Winning

While the prizes—up to $3,000—are a great incentive, the true reward is the journey. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you’ll grow as a thinker, a creator, and a professional. You might even find collaborators from other disciplines who share your vision and can help you bring it to life.

Your Unique Perspective Matters

Some of the best ideas come from unexpected places. What could a theater student teach the world about storytelling in marketing? How might a biologist revolutionize sustainable farming? These are the kinds of big-picture questions that non-business students are uniquely suited to answer.

The SOU Business Venture Tournament is more than a competition—it’s an invitation to dream big and take the first step toward making your mark. So, what’s stopping you? Dive in, share your ideas, and show the world what your discipline can bring to the table.